Single Actuator Door Closing System with Mechanical Redundancy

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door closing systems for motor vehicles are costly and prone to faults due to the use of multiple actuator units, which are necessary to manage various closing states such as safe, locked, and child lock states.

Innovation Solution

A control mechanism driven by a single actuator unit allows for multiple closing states to be implemented, eliminating the need for additional actuator units within the door lock and providing mechanical redundancy through a clutch and Bowden cables, enabling wireless communication and smartphone app control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuator units are used to manage different closing states, then the door lock system can achieve various closing states (safe, locked, child lock), but the system becomes expensive and more susceptible to faults

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing states managementVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A single actuator unit is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different components (door lock, outer door handle, inner door handle) to achieve various closing states including safe state, locked state, unlocked state, and child lock state, replacing the need for multiple dedicated actuator units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple actuator units into a single integrated actuator unit that controls all closing states through a unified control mechanism, reducing the number of components and potential failure points in the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuator units are used to manage different closing states, then the door lock system can achieve various closing states (safe, locked, child lock), but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing states managementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single actuator unit is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different components (door lock, outer door handle, inner door handle) to achieve various closing states including safe state, locked state, unlocked state, and child lock state, replacing the need for multiple dedicated actuator units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple actuator units into a single integrated actuator unit that controls all closing states through a unified control mechanism, reducing the number of components and potential failure points in the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11753855B2Closing system

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing system for a door, in particular a side door of a motor vehicle, comprising a door lock, an inner door handle for opening the door lock, an outer door handle for opening the door lock, an actuator unit and a control mechanism, which is driven by the actuator unit, for implementing different closing states of the closing system.